Accelerating Innovation in Vaginal Formulations to Support Women’s Health.

The Research and Innovation Directorate (RID) is pleased to inform the University community of a new funding opportunity under the Grand Challenges initiative titled “Accelerating Innovation in Vaginal Formulations to Support Women’s Health.” This call seeks bold, user-centred, scientifically grounded innovations that improve vaginal drug delivery systems, promote vaginal health, and address adoption barriers for women in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). The initiative is implemented by Science for Africa Foundation (SFA Foundation) in partnership with the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation and the Global Grand Challenges network.

 Award Amount and Duration

• Funding level:  $100,000–200,000
• Project duration: Up to 2 years

 Scope of the Call

Projects should address one or both of the following thematic areas:

• Leverage the biology of the vaginal micro-environment: e.g., develop or improve formulations/delivery technologies (films, inserts, slow-release etc.) that make use of mucus, host cells, microbiome, mucins, glycans etc.
• Define the characteristics of an ideal vaginal product: i.e., qualitative/behavioural research to understand what features women want (acceptability, comfort, odor control, sexual wellbeing) and what barriers exist, making vaginal products desirable not just tolerable.

 Eligibility

• Open to research institutes, nonprofit organizations, for-profit companies, international organizations, government agencies, and academic institutions.
• Applications from projects led by women and/or researchers at institutions based in LMICs and/or involving collaboration with women-led or LMIC-based organizations are encouraged
• Applications must come from an eligible legal entity (not individuals)

 For more information on the call, kindly see the attached document or visit https://gcgh.grandchallenges.org/challenge/accelerating-innovation-vaginal-formulations-support-womens-health-2

Application Deadline: Dec 16, 2025, 11:30 am PST

RID encourages faculty, researchers, research teams, and postgraduate students working in drug delivery, reproductive health, microbiome science, biomaterials, public health, and user-centered design to consider applying. All interested person(s) are to communicate their intention to submit an application to RID Grants Management Office at rid-grantsmgt@ug.edu.gh for institutional support, budget guidance, or collaboration facilitation.